Causes of Hair Loss in Puppies

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puppy with hair lossNo one likes to see their puppy in pain. When a pet owner notices that the pup’s hair is getting patchy or falling out, he wants to know very quickly what the problem is and how to resolve it. Below are some of the causes of puppy hair loss and the appropriate treatment.

Introduction

When veterinarians speak about puppy hair loss, they often refer to it as “alopecia.” Alopecia can be the result of any number of problems, from stress to fleas and parasites. But bear in mind that just as human skin is sensitive, exposed dog skin is very sensitive as well. Even if an owner can diagnose the problem, before using any antibiotics or harsh astringents, a quick trip to the veterinarian can confirm suspicions and sometimes offer more gentle alternatives.

Allergies

Allergens like pollen can cause hair loss.Allergies can cause hair loss in a dog, whether the irritant is inhaled or consumed. Just like a human, a puppy can be allergic to dust mites, pollen antibiotics, certain types of household cleaning products, and so on. If the irritant is something that can be removed completely from the house or yard, that should be done immediately. However, for things like pollen, there is no way to monitor that once the puppy goes outside. Antihistamines and steroids can help alleviate the allergy symptoms.

Hereditary Conditions

Mutant alopecia and pituitary dwarfism are both hereditary conditions that can cause hair loss in a puppy. Mutant alopecia causes thinning of the puppy’s hair, starting when the puppy is about six-months-old. This will leave exposed spots of skin so the best way to treat this is simply to avoid harsh shampoos and chemicals that could cause irritation. Also, be wary of scratching in those areas because without any fur to protect the spot, it could cause a sore that makes the dog susceptible to a bacterial infection. Pituitary dwarfism is a hereditary condition found in humans as well, and it relates directly to a lack of necessary growth hormones. The pituitary gland simply does not produce the amount of growth hormones needed. Hormone replacement therapy has shown great promise in treating this condition.

Stress

Self-licking due to stress and anxiety can cause hair loss and even lesions on the site. It is important to not only prevent the puppy from licking by means of a large cone-shaped collar, but also to address the factors that are causing stress in the puppy’s life. Perhaps a new animal has been introduced into the household, or the owners’ schedules have been overhauled.

Fleas and Parasites

Fleas can be be more than just irritating.Flea allergy dermatitis is a condition in which a puppy is allergic to a flea’s saliva. The best way to get rid of this condition is to get rid of the fleas. To treat the temporary pain associated with flea allergy dermatitis, the puppy is usually given antihistamines or steroids. In addition to fleas, hair loss can be caused by ringworm or lice and will often require prescription medications.

Conclusion

Although this is not a comprehensive list, the information will hopefully provide some perspective. Just as human hair loss has various causes–stress, chemotherapy and genetics–the main cause of puppy hair loss can be difficult to diagnose and can require long-term treatment. But for most people, a puppy is a part of the family and is so much more than just skin and hair.